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Forkin
E285No regulatory flags

Sodium tetraborate (borax)

Function: Food Additive

E285 is the European food-additive number for Sodium tetraborate (borax). Sodium tetraborate (borax) (E285) is a food additive used as a food additive.

Is E285 safe or restricted?

E285 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as No regulatory flags and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.

Frequently asked questions about E285

What is E285?
E285 is the E-number for Sodium tetraborate (borax). Sodium tetraborate (borax) (E285) is a food additive used as a food additive.
Is E285 vegan or vegetarian?
It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
Is E285 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
E285 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as "No regulatory flags" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.

See the full profile in Forkin

The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E285 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.

Related additives (Food Additive)

Regulatory-level classification based on EFSA evaluations, IARC monograph groupings, and the EU food additive register (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008). Informational only — not medical or dietary advice. See methodology for the rubric.